Control devices for electrically powered wheelchairs: prevalence, defining characteristics and user perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of control devices for electrically powered wheelchairs (EPWs), related characteristic features and users’ views on their utility.

Method: Postal survey of users of a regional NHS wheelchair service using a purpose-designed questionnaire (n = 262, ≥18 years old).

Results: Mean age 54.4 years, female 56.8%, mean duration EPW use 10.1 years, mean usage 6.7 days per week and 9.2 h per day. Largest diagnostic groups: Multiple Sclerosis 28.3%, Cerebral Palsy 13.8% and Spinal Cord Injury 11.7%. Control device types 94.6% hand joystick, 2.3% chin joystick, 2.7% switches and 0.4% foot control. 42.4% reported fatigue or tiredness and 38.8% pain or discomfort limited EPW use. 28.0% reported an accident or mishap.

Conclusions: This is the first study of control devices on a large, general population of EPW users. The majority have control devices that meet their needs, with high levels of user satisfaction, though some might benefit from adjustments or modifications to their current provision and others might benefit by changing to a different type of control device. High proportions reported fatigue or tiredness and pain or discomfort limit their EPW use. The study provides indicators for prescribers and manufacturers of control devices for EPWs.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Most users have control devices that meet their needs, with high levels of satisfaction, but some would benefit from adjustments or modifications or a change of type.

• A high proportion reported fatigue or tiredness and pain or discomfort limit their use of their EPW and prescribers need to be mindful of these issues when determining the most suitable type of control device and where it should be positioned.

• The vast majority of users have a hand joystick as a control device with alternative control devices (such as chin joysticks and switches) being far less prevalent.

• Adverse incidents may arise due to difficulty with manoeuvring or accidental activation of the hand joystick that can lead to collisions and even entrapment.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• control device
• multiple sclerosis
• postural support
• wheelchair

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all those who participated in the survey and the Posture and Mobility Group, UK, for providing funding to cover the costs of the survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Funding information

Financial support was provided by the Posture and Mobility Group Research Fund, UK.